Branchburg Police Charge Jerry Otero for Breaking Umpire’s Jaw
72-year-old Umpire attacked by Parent Coach left with a Broken Jaw
A Driver Plowed into Six Utility Poles on Route 9 in Sayreville
Jerry Otero, 40, allegedly punched the 72-year-old umpire in his face
Little League Coach Fractures
72-Year-Old Ump's Jaw After Ejection
BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart and Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor announced the arrest of Jerry Otero, age 40, Staten Island, New York, for punching an umpire during a 13U little league baseball game in Branchburg Township, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Taggart stated that on June 4, 2022, at approximately 8:08 p.m. Branchburg Township Police officers were dispatched to White Oak Park for a report of an assault upon an umpire. Upon their arrival Officers were told by bystanders that the suspect had left the park prior to their arrival. Officers also spoke with the victim, a 72 year old male umpire, who was bleeding from the mouth. The victim told officers that while umpiring a little league baseball game he ejected one of the coaches for using foul language. The victim told the officers that the coach who was later identified as Jerry Otero punched him on the left side of his face. As a result of the follow-up investigation conducted by Branchburg Township detectives it was later determined that after receiving medical treatment the victim had sustained a fractured jaw and concussion from being struck.
Prosecutor Taggart stated that on June 21, 2022 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Jerry Otero turned himself into detectives at the Branchburg Township Police Department. Defendant Otero was charged with Aggravated Assault 3rd degree and Assault at a Youth Sports Event 4th degree. Defendant Otero was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing into this matter.
Prosecutor Taggart and Chief Fodor request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830 or via the STOPit app. The STOP it app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
Note: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
